Ducted Gas Heating
Heating-only whole-home warmth with fast response and low running costs.
$4,000-$8,000
- Lowest running cost
- Natural gas or LPG
- Best for cold winters
Ducted Heating Specialists
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Compare up to 3 competitive quotes for ducted gas heating, reverse cycle ducted heating, zoning, ductwork, grilles and commissioning.
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$4k-$25k installed range
2-8 zone options
2-5 days typical install
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Ducted Heating Installation By City
Licensed ducted heating installers in all major Australian cities
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Quick answer
Ducted Heating Costs at a Glance
Ducted heating installation costs $4,000-$25,000 in Australia in 2026. Gas ducted systems commonly sit between $4,000 and $8,000, while reverse cycle ducted heating costs more because it also provides whole-home cooling.
Zoning is one of the highest-value inclusions. It usually adds upfront cost, but can reduce energy use by only heating occupied areas.
1
Gas or reverse cycle
Gas ducted heating gives fast low-cost warmth, while reverse cycle adds summer cooling from the same ducted system.
2
Zoning matters
2-8 zones let you heat occupied areas only, often reducing running costs by 30-40%.
3
Roof cavity access
Most retrofits need suitable roof or subfloor access for ductwork, grilles and service clearance.
4
Install time
Gas systems usually take 2-3 days; reverse cycle ducted systems typically take 3-5 days.
5
Brand and install quality
Brivis, Rinnai, Bonaire, ActronAir and Daikin can all perform well when sized and installed correctly.
6
Compare quote scope
Check ductwork, grilles, zones, gas or electrical work, commissioning, warranty and cleanup are included.
Cost guide
Ducted Heating Costs by Home Size
Indicative installed prices including ductwork, grilles, zoning controls, trade connections and commissioning.
| Home size | Area | System size | Zones | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas heating - small | 100-150m2 | 15-20kW | 2-4 zones | $4,000-$5,000 |
| Gas heating - medium | 150-200m2 | 20-25kW | 4-6 zones | $5,000-$6,500 |
| Gas heating - large | 200m2+ | 25-30kW+ | 6-8 zones | $6,500-$8,000+ |
| Reverse cycle ducted | Whole home | 10-20kW+ | 2-8 zones | $10,000-$25,000 |
Premium brands, difficult access, multi-storey homes, new gas lines and electrical upgrades can increase pricing.
Free Ducted Heating Size Calculator
What Size Ducted Heating Do You Need?
Get an instant whole-home recommendation in 30 seconds
Tell us about your home:
80m² 400m²
Your Recommendation
Recommended Capacity
20 kW
System Size: 20-25kW
Est. Investment
$5,000-$6,500
Zones
4-6
Ceiling Outlets
12-16
Efficiency
85-90%
Best for
Medium (150-200m²)
Running Costs
Hourly: $0.40-$0.80/hour
Annual: $300-$600/year
50-70% cheaper than electric
* Estimate only. Professional assessment recommended.
System options
Ducted Heating Options
Compare gas ducted heating, reverse cycle ducted systems and multiple split systems before choosing your whole-home setup.
Reverse Cycle Ducted
One concealed ducted system for heating in winter and cooling in summer.
$10,000-$25,000
- Heating and cooling
- Highly efficient
- Premium comfort
Multiple Split Systems
Separate wall units for selected rooms instead of whole-home ductwork.
$6,000-$12,000
- Lower upfront cost
- Room-by-room control
- Visible wall units
Quote scope
Check my quote scope What's Included in Ducted Heating Installation
A professional ducted heating quote should clearly list the equipment, controls, trades and commissioning work.
Heating unit
Gas heater or reverse cycle indoor/outdoor equipment selected for capacity, efficiency and warranty support.
Ductwork system
Insulated duct layout through roof cavity or subfloor with sealed joins and balanced airflow.
Ceiling grilles
Discreet outlets and return air grilles positioned for even heat distribution.
Zoning controls
Motorised dampers, wall controller and optional Wi-Fi or smart-home control.
Electrical and gas work
Licensed electrical connection plus gasfitting and compliance certificates where required.
Commissioning
Heat output testing, airflow balancing, zone checks, user handover and warranty registration.
Installation timeline
Ducted Heating Installation Timeline
Most ducted heating installations take 2-5 days once equipment, access, gas and electrical requirements are confirmed.
1 1-2 days
Site assessment and quote
Installer checks roof or subfloor access, home size, insulation, gas availability, electrical capacity, unit placement, duct layout and zoning options.
2 Day 1-2
Ductwork and grilles
Insulated ducts, zone dampers, supply grilles and return air grilles are installed and sealed.
3 Day 2-4
Unit and trade connections
Heating equipment, controls, gas lines, electrical circuits and reverse cycle refrigerant work are connected by licensed trades.
4 Day 3-5
Testing and handover
The system is commissioned, zones are tested, airflow is balanced and the homeowner is shown how to use the controller.
Premium comfort
Why Choose Ducted Heating?
Ducted heating is the premium option when you want concealed whole-home warmth, a clean interior finish and zone-by-zone comfort.
Whole-home comfort
Consistent warmth across living areas and bedrooms.
Invisible design
Only discreet ceiling or floor grilles are visible inside the home.
Zoned control
Heat different parts of the home at different times.
Fast warmup
Gas ducted heating can warm a home quickly on cold mornings.
Property value
A premium feature for larger homes, renovations and new builds.
Quiet operation
Main equipment is placed away from living spaces.
Long lifespan
Well maintained ducted systems can last 15-25 years.
Lower running costs
Zoning, efficient equipment and proper sizing help control energy use.
Brand guide
Best Ducted Heating Brands Australia
Compare quality, warranties and installer support from leading ducted gas and reverse cycle heating manufacturers.
Brivis
Premium Australian gas heating
Popular gas ducted heating option with strong local support and cold-weather performance.
Price: $$$
Warranty: 5-10 years
Rinnai
Gas heating specialist
Efficient gas heating systems with quiet operation and broad installer support.
Price: $$
Warranty: 5-7 years
Bonaire
Reliable mid-range heating
Common gas ducted heating choice with accessible parts, service and solid value.
Price: $$
Warranty: 5-7 years
Daikin
Reverse cycle reliability
Reliable, quiet reverse cycle ducted systems with strong dealer network.
Price: $$$
Warranty: 5-10 years
Installer tip: installation quality over brand
A well-sized system with sealed ductwork, balanced airflow and careful commissioning will outperform a premium unit installed poorly. Ask every installer how they calculate capacity, handle gas or electrical requirements and design the duct layout.
Running costs
Ducted Heating Running Costs
Operating costs depend heavily on insulation, energy tariffs, weather, star rating and how well zoning is used.
| System type | Cost per hour | Annual cost | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ducted gas heating with zoning | $0.40-$0.80 | $300-$600 | Lowest |
| Reverse cycle ducted heating | $1.00-$2.00 | $400-$800 | Efficient |
| Multiple split systems | $0.50-$1.50 per unit | $200-$500 per unit | Good |
| Portable electric heaters | $2.00-$4.00 | $1,200-$2,400 | Poor |
Annual figures assume moderate winter use. Without zoning, ducted heating costs can increase 30-40%.
Comparison guide
Ducted Heating vs Multiple Split Systems
Ducted suits premium whole-home warmth. Split systems can still be better for smaller or staged projects.
| Factor | Ducted heating | Multiple split systems |
|---|---|---|
| Initial cost for a 4-bedroom home | $4,000-$8,000 gas or $10,000-$25,000 reverse cycle | $6,000-$12,000 |
| Aesthetics | Invisible grilles only | Visible wall units in each room |
| Running costs | 30-40% lower with zones used well | Higher if several rooms run at once |
| Property value | Premium whole-home feature | Useful but less integrated |
| Control and flexibility | Whole-home system with zones | Independent control per indoor unit |
| Installation requirement | Roof/subfloor access and duct layout needed | Easier retrofit for selected rooms |
| Maintenance | One system to service | Multiple indoor units to clean and service |
Choose Ducted Heating if:
- - You want invisible, premium aesthetics
- - You have adequate roof or subfloor space
- - You are renovating, building or upgrading a larger home
- - You want whole-home comfort from one system
- - You value zoning, quiet operation and property appeal
Choose Split Systems if:
- - You only need 1-3 rooms conditioned
- - Your budget is tighter
- - Roof cavity access is limited
- - You want the fastest retrofit
- - You rent or may move soon
Troubleshooting guide
Ducted Heating Problems & Repairs
Understand common issues, likely causes and how annual servicing helps prevent bigger repair bills.
No heat or system will not turn on
$150-$800Cause: Thermostat issue, gas supply problem, electrical fault or pilot ignition issue.
Solution: Check controller settings, then book licensed diagnosis for gas/electrical faults.
Uneven heating between rooms
$300-$1,200Cause: Blocked vents, faulty zone dampers, duct leaks or unbalanced airflow.
Solution: Damper adjustment, duct sealing, airflow balancing or zone repair.
High energy bills
Service $200-$400Cause: Dirty filters, duct leaks, poor insulation, oversized system or poor zoning habits.
Solution: Annual service, filter cleaning, duct sealing and better zone scheduling.
Strange noises or rattling
$300-$1,000Cause: Loose ductwork, fan vibration, bearing wear or expanding duct material.
Solution: Secure ductwork, balance fan, inspect motor and replace worn parts.
Gas smell from gas system
EmergencyCause: Possible gas leak, valve fault, cracked heat exchanger or incomplete combustion.
Solution: Turn off gas, ventilate, leave the home and call the gas emergency line.
Thermostat or controller issues
$100-$500Cause: Dead batteries, poor sensor placement, wiring issue or faulty controller.
Solution: Replace batteries, recalibrate controller or replace thermostat.
Prevent Costly Repairs
Annual professional servicing and proper filter maintenance can prevent most ducted heating problems and extend system life.
Get Heating Service Quotes How it works
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1
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Compare gas and reverse cycle systems, brands, and zoning options. Choose the best installer and save up to 30% on ducted heating installation.
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Compare prices from licensed ducted heating installers Australia-wide. No obligation, 100% free.
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Installers are licensed, insured and experienced with gas, reverse cycle and roof-cavity ducted systems.
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Check capacity, zones, ductwork, grilles, trade connections and warranty side by side.
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Verified reviews
What Our Customers Say
Real reviews from real Australians who found their perfect tradie
5.0 out of 5
Based on 188 verified reviews
188 verified customer reviews with 5.0/5 average rating from real Australian customers.
ST
Susan T.
Melbourne, VIC
Got 3 quotes for ducted heating. Chose gas heating and saved $900! House stays warm all winter, zoning helps save on bills. Very happy!
Ducted Gas Heating
MR
Michael R.
Canberra, ACT
Installed reverse cycle ducted heating/cooling. Perfect for Canberra's extreme weather. Professional installation, works brilliantly year-round!
Ducted Heating
LK
Linda K.
Adelaide, SA
Needed ducted heating for cold winters. Installers were professional, system warms whole house quickly. Would definitely recommend!
Ducted Heating Installation
5.0/5 Average Rating 188 Customer Reviews Wombat™ Verified
Expert resources
View all guides
Ducted Heating Guides
Expert guides to help you choose, install, and maintain your ducted heating system
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Read guideReady to Install Ducted Heating?
Compare up to 3 free quotes from licensed ducted heating installers in your area.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to the questions homeowners usually ask before comparing quotes.
1 How much does ducted heating cost?
How much does ducted heating cost?
Ducted heating installation costs vary significantly based on system type, home size, and features. Ducted gas heating costs $4,000-$8,000 for complete installation (heating-only system), while ducted reverse cycle (heating and cooling combined) costs $10,000-$25,000. Gas heating pricing breakdown: Small homes (100-150m²) with 15-20kW system cost $4,000-$5,000, medium homes (150-200m²) with 20-25kW system cost $5,000-$6,500, large homes (200m²+) with 25-30kW+ system cost $6,500-$8,000+. These prices include: gas heating unit, complete ductwork installation in roof cavity, ceiling outlets (8-24 outlets depending on size), gas connection and certification, electrical work, zoning dampers (2-4 zones typical), controller/thermostat, commissioning and testing. Additional costs may include: gas line installation if not available ($1,500-$3,000), upgraded zoning systems ($1,000-$2,000), premium brands like Brivis or Rinnai (10-15% more), difficult roof access ($500-$1,000 surcharge), and two-storey homes (additional ductwork $1,000-$2,500). Reverse cycle ducted systems cost more initially but provide both heating and cooling year-round, making them excellent value in climates with hot summers and cold winters. See ducted air conditioning for cooling options, or compare ducted heating installation for dedicated heating systems.
2 Gas vs reverse cycle ducted heating?
Gas vs reverse cycle ducted heating?
This is one of the most important decisions for whole-home heating. Ducted gas heating costs $4,000-$8,000, provides heating-only, has very low running costs ($0.40-$0.80/hour vs electric heating $1.50-$3.00/hour), offers powerful quick warmup (reaches temperature 2-3x faster than reverse cycle), requires natural gas connection or LPG, has 15-25 year lifespan, and is best for cold climates like Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide where heating is the priority. Reverse cycle ducted (ducted AC with heating function) costs $10,000-$25,000, provides year-round heating AND cooling, has higher initial investment but eliminates need for separate cooling system, is extremely energy efficient for heating (300-400% efficiency - produces 3-4kW heat per 1kW electricity), runs on electricity only (no gas connection needed), adds significant property value, and is best for extreme climates like Canberra or climates with hot summers and cold winters. Running cost comparison: Gas heating $300-$600/year for moderate use, reverse cycle heating $400-$800/year (still cheaper than traditional electric heaters). Consider: If you need cooling anyway, reverse cycle is better value (heating+cooling vs separate systems). If heating-only and you have natural gas, gas heating has lowest running costs. For climates with mild winters but hot summers, reverse cycle makes more sense. See ducted air conditioning for detailed reverse cycle information and cooling benefits.
3 How long does installation take?
How long does installation take?
Ducted heating installation takes 2-5 days. Gas heating: 2-3 days. Reverse cycle ducted: 3-5 days. Includes ductwork installation, unit installation, zoning setup, testing, commissioning.
4 What size ducted heater do I need?
What size ducted heater do I need?
Gas heating: 15-20kW for 100-150m², 20-25kW for 150-200m², 25-30kW for 200m²+. Reverse cycle: 10-12kW for 100-150m², 14-16kW for 150-200m², 18-20kW+ for 200m²+.
5 Can ducted heating be installed in existing homes?
Can ducted heating be installed in existing homes?
Yes, ducted heating can be retrofitted if there's adequate roof cavity space (minimum 600mm clearance). Ductwork installed in ceiling, outlets cut into ceilings, system installed in roof or outside.
6 Is ducted heating energy efficient?
Is ducted heating energy efficient?
Yes. Modern ducted gas heating is 80-90% efficient. Reverse cycle ducted heating is 300-400% efficient (produces 3-4kW heat per 1kW electricity). Zoning improves efficiency by heating only occupied rooms.
7 What brands are best?
What brands are best?
Best ducted heating brands vary by system type and priorities. For gas ducted heating: Brivis (premium Australian brand, excellent build quality, designed for Australian conditions, 5-10 year warranties, superior customer service, 10-15% premium pricing), Bonaire (good mid-range option, reliable performance, competitive pricing, widely available parts and service), Rinnai (Japanese engineering, very efficient, quiet operation, strong warranty coverage), Braemar (budget-friendly Australian brand, basic but reliable, good for tight budgets, limited features). For reverse cycle ducted heating/cooling: ActronAir (premium Australian-made, industry-leading hot climate performance, best for extreme heat AND cold, comprehensive warranties), Daikin (exceptional reliability, whisper-quiet heating, advanced inverter technology, 5-10 year warranties), Mitsubishi Electric (superior efficiency, excellent heating performance in cold weather, great smart home integration), Fujitsu (best energy ratings, 5-6 star systems common, very efficient heating, competitive pricing). Selection criteria: Climate suitability (Brivis and ActronAir excel in harsh Australian conditions), efficiency ratings (5-6 star systems save $200-$500/year on running costs), warranty coverage (look for 5+ year comprehensive warranties), after-sales support (Australian brands often have better local service networks), and budget (premium brands cost $1,000-$3,000 more but offer better longevity and lower running costs). Installation quality matters as much as brand - always use licensed installers. For repairs and maintenance, see our heating repair services.
8 Do I need gas connection?
Do I need gas connection?
Only for gas ducted heating. Natural gas connection required ($1,500-$3,000 if not available) or LPG alternative. Reverse cycle ducted uses electricity only, no gas needed.
9 Can I add zoning?
Can I add zoning?
Yes, zoning allows independent temperature control by area. Gas heating: 2-4 zones typical. Reverse cycle: 2-8 zones available. Zoning adds $500-$2,000 but reduces running costs 30-40%.
10 What about summer cooling? Should I consider reverse cycle?
What about summer cooling? Should I consider reverse cycle?
This is a critical consideration for many Australian homes. If you live in an area with both cold winters AND hot summers (most of Australia), reverse cycle ducted systems offer exceptional value despite higher initial cost. Here's why: Cost comparison - separate systems (ducted gas heating $4K-$8K + ducted cooling $10K-$15K = $14K-$23K total) vs reverse cycle ducted ($10K-$25K for both heating AND cooling). Reverse cycle provides: whole-home heating in winter using the same system that cools in summer, superior energy efficiency (300-400% efficient for heating), single system maintenance and servicing, consistent invisible aesthetics year-round, and significantly increased property value. Climate considerations: Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide (cold winters + hot summers) - reverse cycle highly recommended. Brisbane, Perth, Darwin (mild winters + very hot summers) - reverse cycle essential for cooling, heating is bonus. Hobart, alpine areas (very cold winters, mild summers) - gas heating may be better value. Running costs: Reverse cycle heating $400-$800/year, cooling $400-$1,000/year. Total $800-$1,800/year for year-round comfort. For comprehensive comparison of all heating and cooling options, visit our heating and cooling services hub. Most installers recommend reverse cycle for whole-home Australian climate control.
11 How long does ducted heating last?
How long does ducted heating last?
Ducted heating systems last 15-25 years with annual servicing. Gas heating service $150-$250/year. Reverse cycle service $200-$400/year. Regular maintenance extends lifespan and maintains efficiency.
12 Are there government rebates for ducted heating?
Are there government rebates for ducted heating?
Government rebates and incentives for ducted heating vary by state and change regularly. Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program offers rebates for energy-efficient heating upgrades, typically $200-$500 for high-efficiency gas heaters or reverse cycle systems. NSW Energy Savings Scheme provides certificates that reduce installation costs by $300-$800 for qualifying energy-efficient systems. Some states offer additional support through low-interest green loans for energy-efficient home improvements. Federal government rebates are less common but occasionally available through environmental initiatives. Reverse cycle systems often qualify for more rebates due to superior energy efficiency. Check your state government energy department website or ask installers about current rebates - they often handle paperwork on your behalf. Rebates can reduce total installation cost by 5-15%.
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Last updated: June 2026
Verified by licensed ducted heating and HVAC technicians
Australia-wide coverage
Prices are estimates based on market research and may vary by location, project size, site conditions, and specialist. Always get multiple quotes for accurate pricing. Ducted heating work may require licensed gasfitting, electrical and mechanical services trades. Reverse cycle systems also require Australian Refrigerant Handling compliance.